Unai Emery will lead out his Arsenal team for the first time as Arsenal host champions Manchester City in an enthralling encounter at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal
Keeping his players guessing
It’s exciting because no one knows what to expect, formation, lineup, performance, it’s all new, one thing we do know is that everyone will be 100% behind the team and pulling in the same direction for the first time in a long time. It’s so exciting to be able to go into a new season with fresh optimism not knowing what to expect and knowing everyone will be smiling and behind Unai and the team. I don’t expect us to win but it’s so important that we give Unai time to transmit his ideas and philosophy across to the team, many of these players have points to prove and places to fight for but everyone has to be willing to give it time.
Both?
So what can we expect? Well an advantage for us is that we had a number of players not at the world cup whereas Man City did, which could work in our favour, with Lacazette and Aubameyang having full pre-season’s under their belts, hopefully we will reap the rewards for that. How could we line up? Probably the most asked question amongst Gunners fans over the last few days, but I would go with: Leno; Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal; Torreira, Xhaka, Ramsey; Özil, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
City
Pep’s Champions
One of the best sides in Premier League history as far as I’m concerned, despite not going unbeaten I think last year’s City team was one of the best we’ve seen. The football, the movement on and off the ball was absolutely scintillating. Having had many folk in the latter stages of the World Cup, it’ll be interesting to see whether they can integrate them quick enough to make another early charge for the league, and judging by their performance at Wembley in the Community Shield last week, you wouldn’t bet against them doing just that. City absolutely dismantled Arsenal in this fixture last season, a 3-0 victory 3 days after beating the Gunners to win the League Cup, a snow-hit Emirates surrounded by empty seats which was partly due to the fact fans were unhappy with Arsene Wenger, it was a terrible night all-round.
Prediction
A really tough game to start but I’m so excited for this game, haven’t been this excited for a game in years so naturally I want to say we’re going to win 4-0. But, if I’m honest, Man City are a really top team so I think a score draw looks likely, Aubameyang to score, 2-2.
Come on Arsenal!
Occasional writer who follows the Arsenal home and away. Dennis is our greatest ever.
We lost the League Cup last year followed by the same score in this fixture.
I don`t think that will be the case this year. All six goals were shipped because our defence could not defend but I am expecting that it will be better coached this time. Another factor is that even the fans were dreading the results because of their low morale. That was communicated to the players and they were beaten before they went out. Wenger could not correct the malaise but we have a tougher, quicker and more dangerous team this time.
I don`t know what the result will be because there are combinations and partnership that need to be worked out on the pitch, but that will come and we can make adjustments during the match because we have more options now and more optimism.
C`m on the Gunners!
We improved. Only lost 2-0. Some good performances from the new signings.